Emlenton Bridge In Pennsylvania Is The State S Highest Bridge

The United States is home to quite a few mighty bridges with the tallest among them, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, clocking in at 995 feet tall. The nearest competitor to the Royal Gorge Bridge is the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge in Nevada. It stands 886 feet above the ground. Pennsylvania’s got some of its own high bridges, although the tallest bridge in the state, Emlenton Bridge in Pennsylvania, is quite a bit shorter than the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Emlenton Bridge only reclaimed the tallest bridge in Pennsylvania status in the early part of the 21st century. Before the 270-foot bridge earned that recognition, the tallest bridge was…

Wikipedia/Doug Kerr

The Kinzua Bridge, which stood just a bit higher at 302 feet. However, it was partially destroyed during a tornado in 2003. It now serves as a skywalk, a prime tourist destination that features a glass floor.

Flickr/Andy Arthur

At one point, the Emlenton Bridge gained fame as the tallest bridge in the United States. That title, however, only lasted for a brief window – from 1968 to 1971.

Flickr/AxsDeny

Today, Emlenton Bridge, which has ushered traffic over the Allegheny River for decades, is the highest road bridge in the state.

Flickr/Jon Dawson

A truss bridge that’s made of steel, the Emlenton Bridge carries I-80 traffic from Venango County to Clarion County and vice-versa.

Wikimedia Commons/Alcnfr

While the bridge claims a height of 270 feet, it spans 1,668 feet.

Flickr/Doug Kerr

If you want to drive over the highest bridge in Pennsylvania, consider making a day of it. The bridge is in the charming town of Emlenton.

Flickr/Paul Comstock

Did you know the Emlenton Bride is the highest bridge in Pennsylvania? Have you ever driven over it? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that PA’s also home to quite a few covered bridges, including the haunted Sach’s Covered Bridge in Gettysburg?